Edit to the beat

In class today we learnt how to edit footage to the beat of a song. We were given a playlist of four different songs and a clip in which we had to edit to the beat of each song.
We had to cut the slug in a rhythm that we thought fit the beat of the different songs.
I tried cutting in an irregular pace so that my final clip didn't look boring and repetitive.

Miley Cyrus

This video of Miley and Robyn Thicke's 2013 VMA performance was one that was trending for a very long time. It created a lot of controversy as Robin is a married man and at the time Miley was only 20. People recognise her as Hannah Montana so for them to see her performance the change was extremely dramatic. This could be linked with Dyer's Star Theory and the ideas that stars are constructed:

Miley's image of  Disney's Hannah Montana was and arguably still is treasure by many young girls. She was known for her innocence and created hope for many young children who saw Hannah's life as an inspiration.
But then her fans and audience were shocked when her image evolved.

The current images we see of Miley are more sexual and seductive. And she is forming the reputation of being a 'wild child'.



Dyer's theory falls into play here because Hannah Montana was a construction of what was popular at the time and what people wanted to see. But with the development and change of artists such as Rihanna there was a realisation that 'sex' is what truly sells. Record labels have fulfilled their aim as Miley is gaining more attention than she has ever received. She is arguably the most popular name of 2013.




     

Top 10 Controversial Music Videos

In this You Tube clip we are shown music videos that break boundaries and go against norms of society. I have realised that most of the videos branded as controversial are because higher authorities frown upon them, however audiences are more attracted to them because they break rules.
I believe these videos are intentionally made to create chaos and disapproval. The artists and record labels want the 'hype' and attention surrounding their video. It means more fans and audiences are curious to find out what all the 'fuss' is about.

Although Madonna is known for her questionable videos, Rihanna has also made a name for herself because of her controversial songs and videos.

Her recent 'Pour It Up' video has attracted a lot of attention because of its sexual and explicit scenes.



Many women especially, criticised this video as Rihanna is a role model for many young girls and they claim this video doesn't portray a sophisticated way to behave.

What we did in class.

Today in class we were spoken to by Mr Ayoola. He is a music video directer and has been involved with the music industry since the early 2000s. He works with a group of independent musicians who produce electronic music in the area of Croydon.

He told us about the work he had done and the challenges he faced whilst doing them.

This is the first video he directed:
                                                                                              

Mr Ayoola first explained how he used the lyrics of the song to come up with the concept of the video. The stressed to us that writing down your ideas was key in developing the video as you are able to organise and add more to them.

I learnt that storyboards were a great way to put down ideas on paper and it gives you a slight idea of what the finish product would look like.
I also learnt through Mr Ayoola's advice that the amount of footage that is captured for a video is key. He emphasised the point that the more footage you have the less limited you are in making the video.

The talk we had with Mr Ayoola highlighted difficulties such as budget and availability of set, but it also let me see that when you have ideas and are passionate about them you could develop a high standard video.

It also showed me that the time and attention I give to this video is what may get me the top grades.

 

Video I enjoyed

I really like this video because it holds a lot of sentimental value. The narrative structure of the video really evokes sympathy from the audience as it reconstructs the tragic tale of 7 year Aiyana Stanley - Jones, who was accidentally shot in a drug raid in America. This video really demonstrates how artists try to highlight social issues through their music and bringing recognition to situation that are bringing corruption to our society.
I personally felt a lot of emotion towards this video and it left a mark on me. Aspects such as this allows me and other audiences to see the thoughtful and caring side of these artists.
Although the video doesn't focus on many media theories and conventions it creates a unity in the sense that emotions are evoked through it.

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25478/title.j-cole-dedicates-crooked-smile-video-to-aiyana-stanley-jones

Inspiration and Ideas for my video

My group and I have decided that we will have a mystical, fairytale concept for our music video. I think this particular video shows creative aspects of the type of narrative and material we would like to use in our video.

Jonathan Glazer Case Study (Auteur Theory)

Jonathan glazer from EnidAkuffo

To what extent does a pop stars image influence their audience?

To What Extent Does a Pop Stars Image Influence Their Audience by EnidAkuffo

Richard Dyer - Star Theory

Codes and Convention

Narrative Theory

This video uses Propp's theory in order to shape its narrative.

He plays the role of the Princess' dad and the villain.

She plays the role of the Princess

Expectedly Chris Brown plays the role of the villain.










This allows us as the audience to identify and recognise certain characters.

This video also uses Strauss' theory of Binary Opposition. There is the conflict between good and evil. As well as young and old. This creates more drama and tension, engaging the audience even more.

Todorov's narrative theory can also be identified in this video. At the start there is a sense of an equilibrium when  Chris Brown is introduced into the scene, (expected because he is the 'star' of the video). However there is a sense of the non-linear structure as the very start of the song we see a disruption in the conflict between father and daughter. The disruption is then recognised  in the fight scene with Chris Brown and the opposing team. The attempt to repair disruption is towards the end when there is a face off between the two parties.
That scene may also be referred to as the new equilibrium.




This video consists of both Todorov's and Strauss' narrative theory.



The video starts with equilibrium of the BMXers riding their bikes. in that scene we get a slight insight into their personality and we infer that the they're a close knit group.



Then the disruption occurs in this scene, the protagonist gets into an accident, consequently loosing his leg and stopping him from riding.



Here there is recognition of the disruption. Also the audience are forced to sympathise with the protagonist as this is actual footage of a real incident.



There is an attempt to restore order and repair the disruption. in these scenes the protagonist is portrayed as inspirational, creating empathy for the audience.



Finally there is a new equilibrium. By showing the journey of the protagonist the audience feel a part of it.

Strauss' theory of Binary Opposition is also apparent in the conflict between ability and disability. It is the central theme of the video, that aspect also creating tension for the audience.

A level student music video evaluation

I have chosen to evaluate this video because it has great elements of professionalism. I like the concept and it is a good quality video which fits the genre of the film.

I really like the transition used at the start of the video. The black and white scene fits with the mood of the song. The use of ambient sound at the start sets the tone for the song. It infers a false happiness. The hybrid of performance and narrative really adds to grabbing the audience. It gives them a back story to why the artist is single. I like the simplicity of the costume and setting, it allows us to focus on the artist and the lyrics of the song. It is an aspect I would certainly consider when creating my own music video.

However I will consider using a range of camera angles. Although many close ups and mid shots were used to allow us to focus on the artist and her story I feel like different camera angles may allow us as the audience to gain different perspectives.



Video 2

I really like the use of the split screen in this video. It fits the pop rock genre of the song. The different camera angles and editing creates a flow to the song and matches to the beat. I enjoyed the intertexuality of the Beatles and especially the iconic scene at the Zebra Crossing. The lip sinking was very accurate as well, further emphasising the high quality of editing, There were also some creative ideas such as the incorporation of texts in the video showing the lyrics of the song.

However it would be even better if the video wasn't based around the Beatles. As the song used is a Beatles song I think it would've been original if the students created a whole idea from scratch.

Andrew Goodwin's theory